Volunteering – the best experience of your life!

Volunteers tell us again and again that volunteering with Conservation Volunteers Australia is one of the best experiences they’ve had.

Since 1982, we’ve helped over 100,000 volunteers connect with nature. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and almost every country of the world, but one thing they have in common is the great experience of getting outdoors and doing something worthwhile for Australia’s environment.

Volunteering to learn new skills

Our volunteers often talk about how much they learn on our projects, from identifying Australian flora and fauna, to hands-on conservation skills that some of them use in their communities and careers.

“I feel very happy to be given opportunity to do something for the community. Volunteering helps me to connect with the environment. I really enjoy the knowledge sharing session where we get to learn about the plants and trees. I think, after doing these projects, I am more aware about our environment and how we treat it.” – Thurha

For many people who spend most of their time disconnected from nature, volunteering on a conservation project can also give new insight into living sustainability and caring for our environment.

“Conservation wasn’t really on my radar until I came on this trip & definitely will continue to volunteer for it. It’s a great wakeup call on how to treat our planet and you learn a lot of new and interesting things along the way!” – Erin, who volunteered in Bodalla State Forest, near Canberra

Volunteering to meet great people

Working in a team of up to 10 people, our volunteers get to meet locals as well as travellers from around the world, and those coming from overseas have a great opportunity to experience Australian culture.

“You won’t regret it. You will be working with like minded people. Also it is a great way to meet different people and to make new friends.” – Ray, who volunteers on a beach project near Geelong, Victoria.

On our residential projects, teams not only plant trees and survey wildlife together during the day, but they stay together in our volunteer accommodation and share meals each evening.

“The best part was meeting 6 strangers and coming out of it with 6 new friends.” – Imani, who volunteered at Townsville Conservation Park

Volunteering to make a difference

On top of all the personal benefits, the biggest reward of volunteering with Conservation Volunteers Australia is knowing the vital impact you’re having on Australia’s wildlife and environment. From working with some of our most threatened species, to assisting in disaster recovery after bushfires and floods, our volunteers really make a difference.

“We worked hard and we achieved something. With the beach clean up we made a difference for the environment and did something good.” — Elena, who volunteered in Northern Queensland

Our volunteers work with local communities, environmental groups, and conservation experts. Many of our volunteers have told us how great it is to connect with people who are immediately affected by our projects.

“It was very satisfying. We not only gained new skills such as fencing, but it was good to be able to help those who have been devastated by the floods. The landholders we were helping were amazingly hospitable and expressed their gratitude for our help in so many ways.” – Alanna, who volunteered after Victoria’s 2011 floods